It was heartbreaking that shame and stigma kept Prince Harry quiet for far too long after the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash in 1997. Breaking his silence helps both him and thousands of other children who should be spared years of pain.

Evidence-based, trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy used with children and their caregivers tackles the onslaught of thoughts, feelings and behaviors after a tragic death that can derail a young person.

As Prince Harry bravely reveals, left untreated, the resulting avoidance, overwhelming emotion and unsuccessful coping can interfere with life. Treated sooner after a life-altering event, children can learn to openly address what felt unspeakable and forge a productive path.

ROBIN F. GOODMAN, NEW YORK

The writer, a clinical psychologist, is executive director and program director of A Caring Hand, a nonprofit that serves grieving children and families.